How to Organize a Shed for Storage

A shed too often ends up crammed with junk and becomes just an aggravation. Adding more storage capability and some space to work make the shed an asset. Here's how to revamp that messy shed.

Things You'll Need

• boards for shelving
• L brackets
• nails
• bags
• racks

Instructions

1. 

   Before starting, try to mentally sort the stuff filling the shed. Some people may prefer to list them on paper. Make some notes of what is needed to hang or corral what's in there.

2. Take the notes and head for Wal-Mart or Home Depot/Lowes to stock up on needed racks and nails. Try not to go overboard spending a fortune on fancy wall units. In many cases, a simple nail in the wall will hold what is needed or shelves made from scrap lumber that you already have.

3. If ultimately you want a work area in the shed, decide where the work bench will be. Next to a window provides more light for project work. On the shed rehab day, reserve this space so it doesn't get filled with shelves and hanging things that leave no space for a work area.

4. 

   If lighting is poor, hang a florescent shop light from the ceiling. Adequate lighting makes it easier to organize the shed, and easier to find things later.

5. 

   On a sunny day, drag everything out of the shed except for the few items that are already hung up or properly stored.

6. Sort it all into types of things: long handled garden tools, chemicals and paints, tools, play equipment, etc. You'll want to put as many things as possible in related groupings when storing it. This makes later retrieval easier.

7. 

   Put shelves between open studs to hold chemicals and paints. Use odds and ends of wood for this.

8. 

   Put up bigger shelves using "L" brackets. Make these above head height if space is limited.

9. 

   Don't make it more complicated than needed, unless you want to spend a lot of money. A row of nails can hold a lot of simple things.

10. 

    Put up racks or brackets to hang bigger items.

11. 

    Use tote bags or even the storage bags that linens or curtains came in. Hang these on nails and fill with lightweight items.

12. 

    Add a good lock for the shed to keep children from getting into the chemicals. It should deter casual thieves also.

Tips & Warnings

• Attach an old leather or webbed belt to the wall. Nail one end, leave a loop, nail again, leave another loop, etc. Store hammers and other tools in the loops.

Resources

• More advice on organizing a shed